You're about to embark on one of the most important and exciting decisions in your lifetime, the selection and purchase of a home. It's a decision that will bring you years of comfort and joy. Yet, the idea of spending all your free time evaluating homes and neighborhoods, figuring your down payment and monthly costs, applying for a loan, and finalizing the purchase is a dizzying prospect.
        
're about to embark on one of the most important and exciting decisions in your lifetime, the selection and purchase of a home. It's a decision that will bring you years of comfort and joy. Yet, the idea of spending all your free time evaluating homes and neighborhoods, figuring your down payment and monthly costs, applying for a loan, and finalizing the purchase is a dizzying prospect.
        
         For some buyers, the process can be tedious and confusing. This is why consulting a professional REALTOR is wise.   A licensed real estate agent can help you find a house, efficiently and quickly. Discuss with your agent, the type of home you believe will be suitable for your needs. Is your family growing? Do you entertain a lot? Garden? Barbecue? Work at home? Are you a chef, a wardrobe buff? Are you a fixer-upper, or a total couch potato? Just remember, an agent may represent either the seller or the buyer, depending upon their contractual relationship. If the agent represents the seller, he or she cannot advise you about how much to offer, or recommend special considerations you’d like from the seller.

       
       If the agent is a member in good standing of’ the National Association of Realtors® and the state and local boards, he or she must abide by a strict code of ethics. Agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which provides information on virtually every home for sale in the market. This is a useful tool because it provides up-to-the-minute comparative information for more informed shopping.

       In addition, agents will show you homes that you can comfortably afford. They have the information to help you understand how much a bank may lend you, and on what basis it is calculated. Once you've calculated a price range, an agent will establish the qualitative criteria that will lead to the right house.